The Sublime Conduct of Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)

The Sublime Conduct of Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) “And surely you are on an exalted standard of character.” (Surah Qalam 68:4).

The character of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is described most aptly by his dear wife Hazrat Ayesha (R.A.) who said: "His character was the Qur'an." (Musnad Ahmad)

In other words, he is the living example of the Qur'an that teaches high morals.

Hazrat Ibn 'Abbas (Radiyallahu Anhuma) has said that 'exalted quality of character' signifies a 'great religion, and it is Islam, a religion dearest to Allah'. Hazrat 'Ali (Radiyallahu Anhu) said that 'exalted quality of character' signifies the 'good manners taught by the Qur'an'. All these interpretations signify that Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) possessed such character and excellence that qualified him to be the true guide and inspiration for humanity. Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was a complete embodiment of all good that a human is capable of possessing.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) himself said: "I have been sent to perfect noble conduct." (Musnad Bazzar)

Compassion to the young

Hazrat Anas (Radiyallahu Anhu) says: "I remained in the service of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) for ten years. He never once told me 'oof.' When I did something, he never asked me: 'Why did you do so?'. If I did not do a certain task, he never asked me as to why I had not done so?" (Bukhari #2768, # 6038, Muslim #2309). Obviously, a ten-year period is a long time during which some unpleasant or objectionable thing might have happened.

Hazrat Anas (Radiyallahu Anhu) narrates, “Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had the best of Akhlaq. One day he sent me for some work and I said to myself that by Allah I will not go to do what Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had instructed me to do. I came out until I passed by some boys playing in the market place. Suddenly Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) placed his hand on my neck from behind me. I looked at him and he smiled at me asking, “O Unais! Did you go where I instructed to go?” I replied, “Yes. I’m going now O Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).” (Muslim #2310)

Not causing harm to anyone

Hazrat Ayesha (Radiyallahu Anha) said: "Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) never struck anyone with his hands, except when he was fighting in jihad in the cause of Allah. He did not hit any servant, nor any woman. He would never take revenge for any harm or mistake done. He would only implement Shar'i punishment on those who violated Allah's laws." (Muslim #2328).

Never said ‘No’

Hazrat Jaabir (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) never said 'no' to the request of a person. [Bukhari #6034 and Muslim #2311].

Hazrat Ayesha (Radiyallahu Anha) says: "It was not the nature of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) to talk indecently, nor did he engage himself in the use of obscene language. He would not shout and talk in the bazaars (which is against dignity). He did not avenge a bad deed with a bad one, but forgave it. Thereafter he would not even mention it." (Tirmizi #2016)

Hazrat Anas (Radiyallahu Anhu) narrates, “I was walking with Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), and he was wearing a coarse-edged shawl that was manufactured in Najran. A Bedouin advanced to Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and pulled the shawl with such force that I saw the imprints on the blessed shoulder of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). He then said, “Assign to me some of Allah’s wealth that is in your possession!” Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) turned towards him, smiled, and commanded somebody to give him some wealth.” (Bukhari #3149,5809, 6088)

Service to the family

Hazrat Aswad (Rahimahullah) says, “I asked Hazrat Ayesha (Radiyallahu Anha) what Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to do in his house?” Hazrat Ayesha (Radiyallahu Anha) replied, “He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was in the service of his family. When the time of used Salah used to come he used to go for Salah. (Bukhari #6039, Musnad Ahmad #24226)

Greeting with affection

Hazrat Anas (Radiyallahu Anhu) narrates that when Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would meet anyone he would not move his hand away until that person moved his hand away and he would not turn his face away until that person turned his face away…” (Tirmizi #2490, Ibn Majah #3716)

Forgiveness and compassion

On the occasion of Fath (the conquest of) Makkah, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had all the opportunity to take revenge against the Mushrikeen (idolators) of Makkah after all the persecution and atrocities which they had committed against him and the Muslims. Yet he addressed them with the following words:

“…O group of the Quraish! What do you think I’m going to do to you?” They replied, “We think that you will be good to us. You are a noble brother who is a son of a noble brother.” He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “I am addressing you in the same manner which Hazrat Yusuf (Alayhis Salaam) addressed his brothers: ‘There is no reproach on you today. Go, for you are all free.’” (Faidhul Qadeer, Seeratul Mustafa)